250,000 still trapped by fighting

A Sri Lankan government deadline for Tamil Tiger rebels to let civilians leave the northern conflict zone ended with only about 100 reaching safe areas.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 250,000 civilians are trapped in the 300-square kilometre area where the rebels have been boxed in by advancing troops. The government puts the number at about 120,000.

The defence ministry said in a statement that more than 100 civilians, including 16 children, fled the war zone and "sought protection with security forces" yesterday.

They included 63 people who arrived in Visuamadu, while 43 others made their way in two boats across the choppy waters off Mullaittivu toward Pulmoddai, it said.